Living in Virtual Reality--Chemistry Students Struggle With Their Studies

By Lily Lovette--Eagle Staff Writer

Many students have been affected by Mr. Mullins leaving and switching to Virtual Virginia for their chemistry classes. After Mullins’ resignation in the third week of the school year, students in his chemistry classes are responding to Virtual Virginia in numerous ways.

Juniors Corbin Porter and JJ. Pratt in chemistry class. (Courtesy Photo)

Some students have said they enjoy online classes because of the efficient due dates and schedules.

“Virtual Virginia is nice because it’s organized,” junior Annalyse Hasty stated.

Sophomore Jack Buckner also finds a bright side to online learning.

“I like that it’s not too much work. It's not hard because there aren't many assignments,” he said.

Nevertheless, other students are struggling to find benefits.

“Virtual Virginia is the worst. I very much prefer in-person learning,” junior Joseph “JJ" Pratt explained.

Many feel they haven’t learned much since Mullins’ departure.

“Chemistry has been a lot harder and it's taking me longer to learn each subject,” junior Corbin Porter added.

Adding to the difficulty, students only have each other and their notes when questions or problems arise.

“A substitute teacher is in the room but she doesn’t teach us,” Pratt said. “Ever since Mullins left we've had to teach ourselves chemistry.”

Mullins had a big impact on his students by teaching his class in different learning styles and explaining at different paces. This is something Virtual Virginia may lack for some students.

“Chemistry has been really hard without [Mullins] here,” Buckner agreed. “Watching videos is harder than talking to a teacher.”

“I’m not retaining the information that is taught,” Porter continued.

Students report feeling they are simply repeating their days. Pratt explained, “I walk into class, put my bookbag down, open my Chromebook, and look at all the assignments, and most of the time I have no idea what the content is about.”

Even though these students haven’t taken their concerns to administration directly, FCHS principal Jon Crutchfield and other administrators understand their feelings and know this is only a temporary solution.

“It’s not ideal, I’m not going to pretend it’s ideal. Everyone knows the best solution is a qualified teacher in the classroom but they just aren’t there,” Crutchfield admitted.